InstaCabin solution to pricey commercial spaces
The past few years have seen portable cabins become the preferred choice for commercial space, as finding affordable offices for rent continues to prove expensive.
Several industries also use portable cabins to cater for their commercial expansion requirements without daily interruptions.
The porta cabins can be customised according to the needs, size, colour and designs of the customer.
Former Cabinet minister and entrepreneur, Phillip Makgalemele is one of the few who tapped into this market about 14 years ago.
Trading as InstaCabin, the Mmamashia-based business manufacturers versatile porta cabins. Makgalemele explained that the porta cabins are not only used for office space, but are also utilised in various sectors that include housing, classrooms, guard rooms and ablution blocks amongst others.
His biggest clientele include mines, government (health, education, and wildlife departments), parastatals such as the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), and universities.
“I previously worked for Builder’s Merchants Botswana where I dealt with various building materials. I then developed an interest to venture into the manufacturing industry. I used my own money to establish something,” he said.
When reflecting on his journey, Makgalemele said he was fortunate to venture into the business when porta cabins were in demand which made it easier for the business to have demand. His first clients were mainly private companies noting that it was not easy to penetrate other markets, especially government.
Makgalemele said he has managed to remain relevant and unbeatable throughout these years as the company prides itself in offering products that are of quality, efficient and reasonably priced.
“There are various competitors, but we stand out through quality, new product developments, efficiency, and reasonable pricing,” he said.
Just like most businesses, Makgalemele encounters problems with delayed products when importing raw materials and also faces stiff competition from inferior products. He also noted that delivering across the country can be challenging in terms of costs.
Touching on the business’ prospects, he said they want to penetrate the regional market, a move aimed at supporting Botswana’s desire to become an export-led economy. In addition, the company wants to continue serving Batswana with quality affordable porta cabins.
“We are currently visiting various countries in the region as a way of exploring markets for expansion. We intend to continue developing new products. We are proud that we recently developed the INSTACSR product – allowing us to partner with the private sector to deliver for community needs. We will soon partner with academic institutions that produce skills needed in our industry,” he said.